You see, that is the man I've always thought Taylor Hicks to be right from that initial audition when he sang Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come". His journey on Ido is a testament to this talented man. Mr Hicks smiled in the face of adversity and carried on with what was true to his heart, ignoring pre-conceived perceptions regarding what it takes to win American Idol.
The man's dancing style was criticized, his weight debated, and his hair color sparked a multitude of snide swipes to pull out the Grecian Formula. Ultimately, and importantly, Taylor Hicks did not succumb to pressure to change what felt true, from his silver hair to his style of dance moves. All worked in his favor to make him a stand-out and captured the hearts of the American Idol audience like none before him.
Taylor Hicks reached out to all of us out there who strive to stay true to ourselves, who fight against the odds to try and succeed, who are sometimes perceived as misfits, the 'black sheep'. Taylor Hicks stayed true to himself, and let his real talent shine, natural, real and authentic. One of Mr. Hicks' standing appeals is the fact that, this time 'one of us' made it.
In the end, does Taylor Hicks need to make Idol proud? I don't think that's the issue. The real, true issue lies within Taylor Hicks, he must make himself proud. The rest of the pieces will fall as they should.
Groove on Soulman.
Article comments
1 - spaceytracey
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, eloquent stand in defense of all the misquotes and negative spin that has been place on Taylor in recent days. Your commentary is one of the most sensible and intelligent I have read on this topic in recent weeks. Taylor rocked the house last night on the Rockefeller Center show. Anyone that doubted his talents thus far, should be a believer now.
2 - Laurie
Nicely said. Thank you.
3 - babynco
It is refreshing to see an actual journalist write a well thought out and researched article. There are too many out there that have already decided that they do not like Taylor Hicks, simply because they just feel like it. No rhyme or reason, just because. Well I was in the crowd of 100,000 people last night at Rockefeller Center that heard him live and let me tell you he was fearless and he electrified the crowd. If anyone in this country has never heard nor cared to hear Taylor Hicks before, hold on to your hats, cause we are all in for the ride of our lives.
4 - jonesk2
All I can say to your article is AMEN! You said everything I have been feeling. I have been a Taylor fan from the day he auditioned. Taylor is going to go very far in his singing and musical career. He is so true to himself and always will be. Love that man!!!!! SOUL PATROL. He was absolutely fan"tay"istic last night. Can't wait to see more!!
5 - SANDY BRINK
I love your article, finally a writer that sees Taylor as he is. My heart hurts for him to have to go through all the negativity from writers to other idol fans and even Simon Cowell. I am an old lady that has had my love of music awakened from a very long sleep,because of Taylor Hicks. He is a true musician and I hope the nasty public doesn't keep him from making alot of people happy with music again.
6 - Charlotte Denaro
Thank you. Taylor has said he feels AI was a great show that brought families together and taught young children about the great music from the past like Sam Cooke. Taylor also has stated he was grateful for the opportunity. As far as watching Idol - he was working not home watching TV. Idol hasn't been on since he won-so why are people making a big deal of this?
One think I do want to say. AI is on to give people a career opportunity - but they are a 'business' - their main goal is to MAKE MONEY. Taylor brought them so many fans - the most ever. HE HAS PAID THEM BACK BY BRINGING PEOPLE TO WATCH THE SHOW. When he started out it was all over the TV about this 'weird guy who was so different'. Well, people tuned in and found out he was different - he was a true southern Gentleman, with lots of soul, when Simon bashed him over and over - Taylor just smiled and yelled 'Soul Patrol' asking those who appreciated him for thir votes. He always gave the other contestants praise. Taylor won the hearts of so many people, he is truly a great performer, handsome, kind and respectful. TAYLOR HAS PAID HIS DUES TO AI and God bless him and his career - he brought smiles to so many and we miss him and can't wait for his album and tv appearances.
7 - Breny
Taylor is a true artist. That Rockefeller Christmas performance demonstrates his versatility as well as his infectious joy when he performs.
I can't wait for his album and tour!
8 - SQUIRREL
Well done! What a concept! A writer who has actually done his/her own homework prior to writing a piece! This was a well-balanced and accurate piece about a performer who has worked long and hard to get to this point and deserves every good thing coming his way.
Thank you!
I, for one, will continue to seek out your comments and thoughtful commentary.
9 - Jewels
Regarding the initial talk on AI5 about Taylor being 'weird' (although I have no idea what folks meant by that) and different, that's most likely one aspect that landed him a spot on the show. Good television and all that. I thought he did an absolutely wonderful job last night at the Rockefeller Center. I've been bombarded with so many opinions on the comments Taylor made to Relix.com I had to respond.
10 - Grateful Dread Radio
Someone gets it. (Not surprising that it's Jewels Richardson.) Groove on Soulman, indeed. Did he rock the Rock last night or what?
11 - Logan
You can spin it all you like, the comment was wrong. Like Weird Al says, Taylor Creeps me out.
12 - catwood720
A well thought out, intelligent article from someone who, as the poster before me said, "gets it." Its about time someone in the media reported responsibly, as opposed to sensationally. Thank you.
13 - tink
Nice piece on a nice guy that didn't finish last. Hope your planning on review the new cd when it comes out next month...
14 - Jewels
Great to hear from you, Grateful Dread Radio - he made it the "Rocker"-feller Center for sure. ;)
Cheers.
To Logan; darling, Weird Al gave Taylor even more attention and exposure, and meant it all in fun. Plus, really with the song title, "Do I Make You Proud", the Weird AL version was begging to be made. Al couldn't resist, and it was too easy and it is funny. Taylor handled with his usual savvy and grace.
15 - Jewels
tink, I plan to review the new CD, just wish I had an advance copy so I could get the review out the day before it hits stores.
16 - nuChik
Just as Kelly Clarkson was reamed for wanted 'out' of the Idol shadow, Taylor will have his few fans that will walk away because he's quickly shedding the Idol cloak...it's not the end of the world.
Taylor Hicks had fans BEFORE Idol, DURING and now has millions of fans AFTER Idol.
Idol IS viewed as only a springboard but guess who's fault that is? You got it, AMERICAN IDOL! That whole ideal began because now, instead of only the IDOL WINNER receiving kudos and contracts, you've got the entire TOP 10 receiving record deals and touring schedules and talk show appearances.
So do you really think CHRIS DAUGHTRY, ACE YOUNG, ELLIOTT YAMIN, MANDISA HUDLEY, PARIS BENNETT and KELLIE PICKLER aren't using Idol as a springboard? Yes, wisely they are - and they didn't even WIN!
So yes, Idol is here today and gone tomorrow. Taylor is smart to want to disassociate himself from the show that is quickly becoming no more than a VISUAL DEMO where wannabe stars can shop their music.
Look at it as a one-night stand: get in (audition), get off (WIN), get out (do your OWN thang)!
A man scoring a one-night stand is heralded...I say we do the same for Hicks - smart thinking, Taylor!
17 - Phil
I have one problem with Hicks. If he felt that he was just a working musician and wanted to distance himself from the show, why didn't he say that when he was still on the show? Because he would have been voted off of course. I don't think someone should be glib when he presents himself in another fashion while he's on the show. Even Kelly Clarkson waited to her second album before she got amnesia about AI.
18 - zapattack
I've loved Taylor's voice and essence from the first note I heard him sing in his Vegas audition...and I haven't stopped since.
Phil, have you ever taken an entry-level job and progressed through the ranks...only to "forget" what it was like to be the "entry-level employee"?
Same principle.
I, personally, never expected Taylor to "take Idol to the grave". This is the land of opportunity...when it knocked, Taylor didn't just open the door...he blew it off its hinges, baby !
Thank goodness he stays true to himself...that's a key to a career with longevity.
19 - JAG
Jewels,once again you make so much sense out of all the craziness.It is so absurd that people would think AI is not used to further one's career.It is a stepping stone for each of the contestants,in the hope they will be noticed and perhaps get a recording contract.
The same theory applies to every job,you start at the bottom and work your way up,it dosn't mean that you forget where you began!You have to grow to survive in any industry.
20 - Stephanie
Well said, Jewels! This is the Taylor I admire, and we all know that it's just the beginning of an exciting ride.
Ever since I heard the new songs released online, I have become more pumped up for the album's release (it's been on my Christmas list since October) and am ready to spread the Soul Patrol love to friends and co-workers this holiday season. The three songs I heard are just amazing, I love "The Runaround" - it really makes you want to get up and dance! The CD is going to do amazingly well both in the US and in Canada (where I live), and we could see a Grammy nomination or two (or more) in the future.
Keep rocking, Taylor, and remember...stay true to yourself!
21 - Karen
By god I think someone finally get it.Taylor Hicks has always said that he will not change who he is for no one, and that exactly what he has done. Taylor knew what he was doing from the beginging.He is a very smart man. So ny hats off to you Jewels Richardson. finally someone understands where Taylor Hicks is coming from. I just wish people would stop and listen to his music then see how hard Taylor works.
22 - WalkingInMemphis
Re: Taylor's comments about American Idol fizzling out for him... well, in more than one post-comment interview (Access Hollywood & w/Ryan Seacrest), Taylor has made it clear that his statement was taken out of context (are we surprised? the media take something 'out of context'??? naahhhh...).
I know exactly what Taylor was trying to say. The AI phenomenon -- the glory, the celebrity, the momentum it produces -- is akin to a 4th of July rocket: awe-inspiring, thrilling, a glorious explosion of sound and excitement, but eventually 'fizzling' as that momentum is spent, only to be replaced by another 'rocket' (the next AI). Taylor was basically recognizing the fact that the time has come for him to create his own momentum. And that is something he should have no problem with.
23 - Mary Lou
I agree 100% with your article. To be honest this was only the second time I watched Idol and the FIRST time I voted. Taylor Hicks brought music back to MY soul and I don't need AI any longer :)
24 - ShirleyDee
Bravo, Bravo !!!
Thank You so very much for saying what alot of us have felt right from "Taylor's" audish.
This young man,is multi talented and a wonderful humanitarian !!
He is a postive energy in an Industry that is filled with controversy.
"Taylor Hicks" brought back the kind of music I Love!!
Taylor is food for the soul,and Thank God he came along when he did.
Because alot of us,poor souls were starving !!
Soul Patrol
Holiday Hugs
ShirleyDee